VAN LIFE in AUSTRIA | Hallstatt - Dachstein - Velden | Self-Build Campervan Conversion

This is Part 2 of our mini Europe Van Life trip that we took in June 2022 in our newly converted campervan, Carlo. You can watch Part 1 here: • MUNICH & SALZBURG in a...
In this video we spend a few days exploring the beautiful Austria. As we leave Salzburg we head South to the picturesque village of Hallstatt situated on Hallstattersee. This is one you might have seen in several Instagram posts, with the little church on the waters edge. The village is closed off to traffic so you have to park just outside. Luckily there is campervan parking only 10 minutes walk and it's all well organised and signposted. The village was quite quiet when we want but I can imaging it'd get really busy in peak times. One thing to note is most places, including bars and restaurants, close between 12 and 2.
Our next stop was Dachstein where we stayed at a small campsite 5 minutes from the entrance to the winding road that leads up to the gondola that takes you up to the glacier itself. We booked online to secure a spot on the gondola however when we went in early June it was really quiet. When we were about to board they asked if anyone wanted to go ON THE ROOF of the gondola!!! Yes, there's a small area where you can stand on top of the cable car as you ascend so we said YES! There is space for 9 or 10 people and its only on one gondola so make sure you time it well. It was an amazing experience and stunning views. At the top, there's a cafe, a suspension bridge and the "Stairs to Nowhere" - glass staircase that hangs out over the valley below! There's also in ice palace full of sculptures which is fun to explore.
Our final stop was Velden a Worthersee in the South of the country. We went to the Pyramidenkogel tower which is 100m tall and the tallest wooden observation tower in the world, giving stunning views across Worthersee and beyond into Austria and Slovenia. It's 10 Euros to climb the tower (there's also a lift) and at the top there are 3 levels, ranging from inside viewing area to the very top outside deck - well worth it if you can! On the way back down you can take the stairs or the lift OR you can pay an addition 5 Euros to SLIDE back down the tower!!! Yes, a 66m long spiral slide that gets you down to the bottom in around 20 seconds. Thoroughly recommend this, you won't regret it.
Our final even in Austria was spent in Velden, the town nearby to the Pyramidenkogel Tower and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Austria. It felt like an Austrian Monaco, with casino, fast cars and very rich people everywhere! Situated on the edge of the lake, we had a lovely evening sat outside the casino and stayed in a dedicated Stellplatz which provided safe, secure parking for around 20 Euros.
We absolutely loved Austria and will be coming back as soon as we can. such a peaceful, stunningly beautiful place - can't wait to return. The final part of this trip coming soon will cover our journey through Slovenia and Italy - see you then!
Mark & Neil
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